Art & Culture of Barcelona | The Ultimate Guide to Barcelona Culture
Barcelona culture is the culmination of fragments of tradition and modernism. As the capital city of the independent community of Catalonia, Barcelona is a traveler’s dream with over 20 Michelin-star restaurants, a history rooted in Roman conquest, and its tryst as a modern city brimming with chance encounters. Here's our complete guide to experiencing a slice of Barcelona's art and culture.
Why Barcelona Is the Best City for Arts and Culture Lovers
An rich history, flavorful cuisine, and the spirited Catalán culture is reason enough for one to go about exploring the city's many galleries and museums. Here's why we think art lovers will like Barcelona.
Incredible architecture
The city is a visual delight, thanks to one of the greatest architects of all time who resided in Barcelona - Antoni Gaudi. A walk through the Eixample neighborhood will lead you to countless beautiful Catalan Modernist buildings - Casa Battlò, La Pedrera, and Casa Ametller to name the most famous. Not to forget, the timeless Sagrada Familia and vibrant Park Guell that pulls the maximum crowds into the city.
Year-round music festivals
No matter what time of the year you visit Barcelona, you're bound to bump into a rave music festival in some nook of the city. The Catalan’s appreciation of music brings many world-renowned music festivals of all types of genres to the city. Electronic music festival Sónar, the month-long Barcelona Jazz Festival, and Primavera sound are all one better than the other!
Free art all around
From sculptures to installations to graffiti, Barcelona is brimming with works of art around every corner. You can even a few sculptures of Joan Miró in the city and a gigantic mosaic at the Barcelona El Prat airport and another in the centre of La Rambla. Going on a street art walking tour in Barcelona is one of the most underrated, yet most fun experiences in the city.
Catalan culture
Although Catalonia is part of Spain, it has its own unique cultural celebrations and traditions. From dancing giants to human pyramids and dancing sardanas in the squares enjoy the many distinct festivals the city holds.
Art Galleries galore
The art scene in Barcelona is questionably the most live and kicking in all of Spain. With Barcelona having produced so many famous artists there are umpteen galleries and museums in the city, showcasing their work. From Pablo Picasso, to Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, museums and galleries in the city have opened the world’s eyes to the artists of. You’ll also find quirky museums in Barcelona dedicated to marijuana, sex, and even chocolate. Read more about the best museums and art galleries in Barcelona.
Culinary delight
Spain is blessed with a bounty of fresh produce year-round. Whether you’re sampling some tapas or indulging in a Michelin starred meal, the food in Barcelona rarely disappoints. Check out the best restaurants in Barcelona and make sure you tick atleast 3 off the list during your visit.
Art & Culture in Barcelona
Barcelona culture dates back thousands of years to early Roman settlements as it once served a military camp for the Roman army. The late-15th century marked a period of change in the history of Barcelona with the union of Ferdinand of Aragon to Isabel of Castille when it officially became part of Catalonia, as it is today. It was only during the Spanish Civil War that the glory of Barcelona was dimmed as Francisco Franco’s authoritarian regime cracked down on the Catalonians, extinguishing Catalan as a language, and dictating everyday life.
The 1992 Olympics is what paved the way for a new, modern, and bustling Barcelona that we see today with miles of undisturbed beaches, modern architecture, and a diverse population.
Read MoreArt in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most vibrant and artistic countries in the world, to a point where the entire city doubles as one big art gallery. The city is no stranger to consummate artists and painters such as the renowned pioneers of Cubism, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
- Over 4000 paintings by Picasso are on display in a permanent exhibit at the Barcelona Picasso Museum.
- Art enthusiasts can visit Joan Miró Foundation to take a gander at the surrealist work from the master.
- The National Art Museum of Catalonia extends insight into ‘a thousand years of art’ from Roman times to an exceptional Gothic collection.
Architecture in Barcelona
- Architecture is one of the most intrinsic aspects of Barcelona’s past and present.
- ‘Catalan Identity’ is understood in terms of Catalan Modernism with Antoni Gaudi at its helm.
- The curves on straight-lined walls are what Barcelona is all about.
- Gaudi’s Sagrada Família or Casa Milà and Montaner’s Palace of Catalan Music have been listed by UNESCO as World Cultural Sites.
- Another noteworthy addition to this Rolodex of gems is Frank Gehry’s ‘Golden Fish’ on the seafront designed for the 1992 Olympics.
Barcelona’s culture served as an inspiration to artists, writers, thinkers alike. From Cervantes to Picasso, Catalonia has been enshrined within the pages of adventures that are emulated today by locals with festivities and celebrations. Here are some of the most-awaited festivals in Barcelona:
- Sant Jordi
- Dia del Treball
- Sant Joan
- La Mercè
- Fira de Sagrada Família
The city boasts a fine blend of art, history, sunny beaches and a stellar drinking and dining scene, creating a tourist experience that's hard to find elsewhere. If you're planning on visiting the enchanting city, you can attend numerous Barcelona events designed for both tourists and locals.
- Barcelona never disappoints when it comes to entertainment; from annual music festivals, summer nights at museums, and outdoor film festivals, the city offers plenty to do.
- Flamenco shows or food tours, you can take your pick! Night Clubs like Razzmatazz are extravagant establishments with a mix of sounds and drinks for a night of unadulterated fun.
The religion most commonly practiced in Barcelona is Catholic Christianity as testified by the presence of Catholic Churches such as La Sagrada Família designed by Antoni Gaudi.
- There are several other notable churches in the city such as the Cathedral of Barcelona, Basilica of Saint Mary of the Pine, and Basilica of Saint Mary of the Sea.
- The second-most widespread religion in the city is Islam and Barcelona has 264 places of worship for Muslims.
- Other religions practiced in the city include, but are not limited to, Judaism and Hinduism.